Napoles must identify right list: Scrap Pork

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - The Scrap Pork Network is urging the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to summon alleged pork scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles to testify on the authenticity of the list of lawmakers linked to the scam.

Speaking to radio DZMM, lawyer and Scrap Pork spokesperson Michelle Estor said only Napoles can say which of the alleged lists of lawmakers is the correct one.

"Si Mrs. Napoles dapat ang magsalita sa listahan. She cannot say that she does not know...There must be testimonial and documentary evidence. The document cannot speak for itself because there is a story behind it and only Napoles can tell the story. She made the list," she said.

Napoles is accused of conniving with lawmakers and government officials to funnel billions of pesos in government funds to fake foundations that she set up.

At least three opposition lawmakers are now facing plunder charges before the Ombudsman for allocating funds to Napoles NGOs.

Last month, Napoles furnished a list to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima that allegedly reveal the names of lawmakers who benefited from the scheme. Yolanda rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson and whistle-blower Sandra Cam later said they also received copies of the list.

In an interview, Lacson also proposed that Napoles testify on the authenticity of the list but rejected that she be made a state witness.

Estor said Napoles' testimony must go hand in hand with the list especially since Secretary de Lima cannot testify on the veracity of the names included. She said only Napoles can say which list is the correct one.

"[Napoles] needs to say what happened, how she talked to these people and how she made the transactions. It is an admission of her involvement," she said.

She added: "Sana magpakita siya because this is her chance to rectify what she did before. This is her chance. If she changes her statement, she will no longer have any credibility."

She also said that, unlike former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, she does not see President Aquino stopping the disclosure of the Napoles list.